Recession Job Hunt: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Recession Job Hunt: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Unemployment is the highest it’s been in 26 years, and that means that the competition for your next job is tight. If you want the edge in your recession job hunt, you need to avoid making these four mistakes that will count you out.
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1. Coming to the interview unprepared

Sure, you know to be on time and dress appropriately for your interview, but are you truly prepared for the face-to-face? Before you come to the interview, research the company. AllBusiness.com offers this tidbit on the importance of knowing about the job you want, in the company you are trying to work for:
“Research the company beforehand so that you can showcase that knowledge during the interview. This will boost your credibility with the interviewer and will help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask him or her.”
The last part highlights something important. Often, interviewers ask if you have questions for them. Being able to ask questions that show thought and insight tells the interviewer something about you. Make sure you are giving the right impression. And, of course, practice the answers to those time-honored interview questions. Why should we hire you? and What are your strengths and weaknesses? Remember to be honest about your weakness. “I work too hard” or “I care too much” are cues for an interviewer to roll his or her eyes—maybe even before you’ve left the room.
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2. Reducing your résumé to a list of activities

During a recession, employers can afford to be picky about their candidates. A generic résumé that does little beyond list a bunch of activities is not going to get a second look. Instead, CareerBuilder.com recommends reading the job posting and highlighting the skills and experience that show that you are a good fit for the position.
It's also wise to consider what will be most important to potential employers. Perhaps for one company your education information belongs at the top of the résumé. For another company, your experience might be the most important consideration. Re-arrange your résumé to reflect the preferences of each individual company.
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3. Asking for a job instead of networking

On the Personal Branding Blog, Dan Schawbel points out that asking for a job outright can turn people off at networking events. Instead, he recommends focusing on relationships. No one wants to be harassed for a job while attending an event—from your local Chamber of Commerce to university clubs—that is, ostensibly, about socializing.
True networking is about getting to know others and building relationships. Introduce yourself and let others know who you are. But you should also ask questions about those you meet. Show an interest after the networking event as well. Don’t become a stalker, but try to develop a sincere relationship with those you’ve met.
Among those that you know, you can be a little more straightforward. Let it be known that you are looking, and what you can do. If you are a reliable person with skills that are needed, people in your network will let people in their networks know that you might be good fit.
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4. Obvious desperation and negativity

You may feel desperate as you search for a job in this recession, but it doesn’t mean that you have to show it. In fact, hiring managers would much rather have someone who is positive, and who is not acting as though this is their last chance at becoming gainfully employed.
People notice when you are positive, and respond more enthusiastically to that mind set. Negativity causes those around you to feel uncomfortable, and no one wants an uncomfortable work situation. Try doing something relaxing prior to a job interview to get rid of some of your negative vibes.
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